We use cookies on your computer or mobile device to help make this website better. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Otherwise, we'll assume you're OK to continue. Don't show this message again ×

Commercial waste and recycling

What is commercial waste?

Waste or recyclable material generated as the result of any kind of commercial activity. This could be a business based in a home, shop, market stall, and office or business unit including waste generated from property development of residential letting activity.

Commercial/business waste includes any waste that comes from:

any commercial activity - including any you run from your home

construction

demolition

industry

agriculture.

Your responsibilities

You must deal responsibly with any waste your business produces in England. This is known as your 'duty of care'

Current legislation Section 34 of the Environment Protection Act 1990 places a "Duty of Care" on commercial premises to ensure that waste produced by (or at) business premises is collected and disposed of by a registered or licenced waste carrier or waste collection authority. This includes waste from any commercial activity run from a household.

Failure to furnish a duty of care document may result in the Local Authority issuing person/business with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £300.

Transferring waste to an unregistered company or person, or failing to provide a waste transfer note is an offence. Those found guilty on conviction are also subject to a fine up to £5,000.

It is also a criminal offence to dump waste (fly-tip) on public/private land. If caught and convicted in a Magistrates Court it could mean a fine of up to £50,000 and/or 12 months in prison. If convicted in a Crown Court, this could be an unlimited fine and/or up to five years in prison.

Can I take waste to the local household recycling centre?

Business or commercial waste is not accepted at the Household Waste Recycling Centres in Telford and Wrekin, these sites are provided for the disposal of household waste only.